Do’s and Don’ts for Visiting a Dog Park

It is no coincidence that the relationship between humans and their best friends has endured for thousands of years. There is no denying that dogs play a vital role in our lives and give us so much love and companionship. It’s not surprising that many dog owners want the best for their furry, four-legged companions.

That’s why when buying a house, many people take into consideration the nearby recreational opportunities for their dogs. Dog parks, for example, are a huge plus. But following the rules are important if you are going to frequent the dog parks found in new home communities like the brand new one in our Village Station community.

Pay Attention to the Signs

At the top of the list of things you need to do when visiting a dog park is keep your dog on a leash unless the area states very clearly “off-leash.” Following this step is one of the easiest ways to avoid running into problems with other dogs and their owners.

Once you are in the off-leash area, be sure that you actually do remove the leash. The reason for this is that dogs often have trouble reading one another’s body language if one is on a leash and the other dog is not. This step can serve to reduce conflicts across the board.

If there is a small dog and large dog section at the dog park, be sure to select the right option for your dog. These designations are created for the happiness and safety of the dogs.

Also, read and obey all posted signs. These are there for us humans.

Monitor Your Dog’s Behavior

When your dog does enter the dog park, work to make sure that your he or she initially stays calm. A new dog entering the park could disrupt the existing and established dynamic between the animals. If your dog, for example, seems too full of energy to play normally with others, then you’ll want to consider taking him or her on a walk before entering so he can burn off a little energy.

It is important to note that you should never take an aggressive dog to a dog park. Simply stated, bringing an aggressive dog to a dog park is asking for trouble. So, as tempting as it may be, if you have a dog that tends to act aggressively, just skip the dog park.

Keep the Focus on Your Dog

Another key tip is to always pay attention. Dog parks can be distracting places for owners as well as their pets. Don’t get so caught up in socializing with others that you lose track of your dog’s behavior and the behavior of those around her.

Remember that the safety of your dog, as well as others, must be a top priority. When at the dog park, keep your phone in your pocket and stay off social media. Only take emergency calls. Dogs are still wild animals at heart, and that means things can be unpredictable at times.

Follow Best Health Practices

Additional guidelines, such as making sure the dogs have had their vaccines, are spayed or neutered, and are on flea and tick medicine, are all essential for the well-being of your dog and those around him or her. Finally, never forget to clean up after your dog before you go home. It’s common courtesy, and in some places it is the law.

Following these tips that we’ve outlined here will help you and your dog enjoy your time together outdoors. Buying a house is a big step and finding new home communities with dog parks is a huge plus for both dogs and their owners.